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Welcome to the University of Nottingham Health Service This page will tell you a little bit about how to register with a National Health Service (NHS) doctor so you can access the services of the NHS In the UK you need to register with an NHS doctor. It is important to do this on arriving, as failure to do so can occasionally result in difficulty accessing free healthcare. Doctors usually work together in health clinics also known as health centres or general practices. The University of Nottingham has a health clinic on the main campus - The University of Nottingham Health Service, a practice with a long history specialising in the health needs of students at Nottingham. We work very closely with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Students Union and this ensures that we are continually developing our services to meet your health and academic needs. There are 9 doctors at the practice as well as a full compliment of other staff including our practice nurses, midwife and health visitor. Also linked to the practice are a physiotherapist, mental health support worker, mental health nurse and sexual health promotion worker. Services on offer include not only dealing with illnesses, but help with healthy living, contraception, gynaecology and sexual health services (including testing for sexually transmitted infections), travel and tropical medicine, dealing with mental health issues, sports medicine, minor surgery, dermatology and acupuncture. We are open all day Monday – Friday and we can be contacted by either coming to the health centre or by phone. We also provide overnight and weekend cover for urgent problems through Nottingham Emergency Medical Services (just phone the health centre as normal). How to Register In order to make registration simple, we run special registration sessions in the first two weeks of term. These are in the Trent Building on the main campus. You will be advised of times and location by either the International Office or your Faculty. As there are large numbers of students to register we ask where possible that you try and attend your allocated session as students attending the wrong session may experience a longer waiting time. You need to print off the forms, which are attached. Please complete these with any parental help that is available and (where necessary) the records from your existing doctor. Keep these forms safe and then bring then with you to your registration session THE NHS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS The National Health Service and how it works can seem very complicated if you have never had to use the system before. In the first place you are only eligible to use the NHS if you are either:
The countries with reciprocal arrangement
To access the National Health Service first you have to register with a doctor. Doctors in the United Kingdom have catchment areas. You need to find a doctor in whose catchment area you live. Details of doctors are available from public libraries, post offices, the local Primary Care Trust (PCT’s) and on the website www.nhs.uk. T The NHS doctors at The University of Nottingham Health Service have a very large catchment area so you may find this the easiest practice to register with. When you go to register with a doctor you need to take our letter on College headed paper stating the duration of your course, along with proof of where you live. You will be asked to fill in some forms and you may be invited to have a simple medical examination. Once you have registered with a doctor you will be sent an NHS card. This is your proof that you are registered for NHS treatment. Keep you card in a safe place and take it with you if you visit our doctor, dentist or hospital. It can sometimes take several months for your card to arrive. If you card fails to arrive contact your local Primary Care Trust.
WHAT DOES NHS REGISTRATION ENTITLE YOU TO?
WHAT WILL YOU BE ASKED TO PAY FOR
PLEASE NOTE You are only permitted to be registered with one general practitioner at any time. THE ROLE OF THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER The General Practitioner, commonly referred to as a GP, is a general doctor who has specialised in family health. He or she is therefore qualified to see anyone from small babies to the elderly. They are used to seeing patients with different health problems including skin disorders, gynaecological problems and contraception. Whatever health problem you have the GP is usually the first doctor you consult. If you have a complicated problem or an illness that requires specialist advice the GP will refer you to the appropriate doctor. GENERAL PRACTITIONERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM GP’s at The University of Nottingham Health Service are used to seeing different patients but because of the number of patients we have from particular groups, additional expertise (and in some cases training) has been gained in young peoples health, contraception, sexual health and travel medicine. We also have direct access to additional resources including physiotherapy, sexual health worker, mental health worker, hearing assessment and clinics to help stop smoking. THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE PRESCRIPTION If you see a doctor who wishes you to have medication he/she will usually write you an NHS prescription. You then take this to a pharmacy. The standard charge for dispensary drugs is currently £7.10 per item on your prescription. From time to time you doctor may recommend buying drugs over the counter without a prescription. This is because they know that the particular drug recommended is cheaper this way. Under certain circumstances you may be able to claim free prescriptions. CAN I OBTAIN MORE OF MY PRESCRIBED MEDICATION IN THE UK We can prescribe most medications such as asthma inhalers, insulin, acne treatment, antidepressants and contraceptive tablets. You would need to make an appointment with the GP to arrange this at least initially (some times further supplies do not require you to see the doctor). To make things as easy as possible, remember to bring your existing medication or prescription with you to the appointment and if possible any specialist letters or results of recent tests. Please bear in mind that you may be given slightly different medication from the one originally prescribed, as local protocols vary and some medications from abroad are not available in the UK. In some causes, you will need to be referred to a local specialist before your medication is prescribed. Sometimes it may be easier to get supplies of your medication posted from home. This is particularly true for some American medications for ADHA (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), which are not the same in Britain and have strict contracts and guidelines. WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR REQUIRE EMERGENCY TREATMENT? Accident & Emergency Departments should only be used in extreme emergencies. If you need to call an ambulance, call 999. This really is only if you are very unwell and need immediate hospital care. WHAT IF I AM NOT WELL ENOUGH TO VISIT MY DOCTOR? WHAT DO I DO IF I GO ON HOLIAY? Once you have received your NHS card you may be eligible for free treatment throughout the European Community. You are entitled to any medical treatment which becomes necessary, free or at a reduced cost, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you go skiing you must take our private insurance. An EHIC will not cover the cost of mountain rescue. Most “dangerous sports” require private insurance. If you travel outside Western Europe always take private medical insurance. Most tour operators can arrange this for you, as can the You Hostel Association. The NHS will not help with medical costs incurred outside Europe. WHEN YOU LEAVE THE UNITED KINGDOM WHO ARE THE PRIMARY CARE TRUST? WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO SEE A GYNAECOLOGIST If non of the above apply and you still need to see a gynaecologist make an appointment with your GP and if they feel it is appropriate they will refer you to one. WHAT DO I DO IF I THIINK I MAY HAVE A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION? Male telephone number is: 0115 9627745 WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST? WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO SEE A DENTIST? When you book an appointment with a dentist make sure you ask for NHS treatment (certain cosmetic treatments are not available on the NHS). It is a good idea to ask for an estimate of the cost before you start any treatment. This also applies to private treatment, as it is not possible to reclaim the cost of private treatment from the NHS. If you are registered for NHS treatment you may be able to get free dental treatment by going to one of the dental schools. If you choose this option you will probably be treated by a dental student who will be supervised by a qualified dentist. In certain cases it may be possible to get free treatment. WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED TO HAVE MY EYES TESTED OR GET NEW GLASSES/CONTACT LENSES?
FREE TREATMENT Full details of who is exempt are available in a leaflet called “Are You Entitled To Help With NHS Costs?” available from the Health Centre. Help with NHS charges are not regarded as “a public fund” and therefore overseas students are entitled to apply for assistance. However, apart from the above categories, most overseas students will not meet the eligibility requirements for help. If you think you may be eligible complete form HC1 available from most doctors’ surgeries and post offices.
USEFUL NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES NHS DIRECT 0845 46 47 or www.nhs.uk (Or find local dentists, doctors, pharmacies, opticians, hospital or NHS walk-in centres)
NHS WALK-IN CENTRES: http://www.nhs.uk/England/No appointmentNeeded/WalkInCentres/Default.aspx FAMILY PLANNING ADVICE AND CLINIC INFORMATION 0115 9509151 SEXXUAL HEALTH CLINICS Victoria Health Centre – 0115 9509151 General Questions About The NHS Many of our students are not born and brought up the UK with the NHS (National Health Service). They may be used to a very different health service, sometimes paying and sometimes free at the point of delivery. This can lead to differences in expectations or in the way students use the services on offer. The aim of these pages is simplify what to expect and give suggestions how we should be used. What is the NHS? The NHS is the National Health Service is a country-wide service that aims to deliver health needs to the population of the UK. It encompasses family doctors, hospital, hospital doctors, operations, some dentists and ambulance and emergency departments. It is paid for the tax payers of the UK. The majority of services it provides are free at the point that a person uses them (with some important exceptions). The great strength of the NHS is that it is paid for by the state and so the relationship between you and your medical team can be honest and open and your care based on clinical need alone. Private medicine does exist in the UK and may be offered by some specialists that also work within the NHS. In general, “going privately” may allow you to access services faster that in the NHS but does have a high cost. What does it Cost? The majority of services provided by the NHS are free at the point of use/receipt (but they are paid for by the country’s tax system and therefore service provision and access is sometimes controlled depending on clinical need)
What is a “GP”? A GP is a General Practitioner, also known as a Family Physician in other countries. They are a doctor who has done additional training (often in many hospital specialties) and also in family/community medicine. In the UK most of the population would see there GP as the first place to visit when ill or concerned. They treat many conditions, sometimes having more expertise about certain areas than their hospital colleagues. Therefore, value your GP and make choices with them about your problems and what should be done.
How do I register with a GP? You can register with a doctor local to where you live. If at university then the NHS rules suggest this should be near your university address. Occasionally doctors practices do get full but the local medical authorities will find you a practice. At Nottingham University we accept all students (with certain criteria – see eligibility* link to eligibility) and there dependants/family. If you do not wish to register with us you may find an alternative at the following link: http://www.nottinghamcity-pct.nhs.uk/find-your-local
What does a GP treat? A G.P. is the first person to consult with about any physical or mental/psychological illness or problems. The only exceptions would be if you are immediately in danger or have had a bad accident where you’re bleeding heavily or feel it’s likely you’ve broken something. A GP can handle must problems on there own but also have the option (where clinically appropriate) to refer you on to the hospital.
When do I see a GP? Many minor ailments will clear themselves and you may find it helpful to get medicines and advice from a pharmacist. Simple conditions like coughs and sore throats can often be left for 1-2 weeks (and sometimes longer) before needing to see a doctor (as they will give you advice about using the pharmacy and medicine you buy yourself). You have to make a judgement about ill you feel and how much pain/discomfort you may be in. A pulled muscle, where you can still get around doesn’t need to see a doctor for a number of weeks. It is hard to be too directive about what you should do, if you are concerned see a doctor.
Is my appointment URGENT? Urgent implies you need to be seen today and given priority over somebody else. This is a privileged position and should not be abused. You would not wish to be delayed because someone in front of you had taken an URGENT slot when they were only as ill as you. So think, “what could happen” if I wait for the routine appointment (often only 24-48 hours) rather than asking for the urgent one today.
What is Accident & Emergency (A&E?) It is important to stress that the Emergency Department or ED (also known as Accident and Emergency) is for exactly that – serious accidents and medical emergencies. You should only need to attend the ED rarely (and we hope not at all). Attending ED for aproblem that your GP could help with can delay the care of some very sick patients and not good. Please use the ED service responsibly and if in doubt phone NHS-direct first and ask their advice.
What happens when my GP is closed? There is a GP available to you 24 hour a day, seven days a week, both in term time and in the holiday (this includes ALL public/bank holidays). In normal hours (Monday – Friday 08:00 - 18:30, late opening Mondays) you should contact the practice first 0115 8468888 (INT 68888). After these hours and on the weekend you also call this number, wait for the message to finish and you will be put through to an “out-of-hours” service where a nurse will listen to your problem and help you decide whether you need to see a doctor or health professional and if so, how quickly. We are very lucky as the providers of this service are very close:
What if I need medicines? Many medicines are available to buy at a Pharmacy (often called Chemist). Medication for pain control, headaches, period pains, treatment for urine infection and creams for rashes can be accessed here. There may be questions the Pharmacist has to ask you before issuing any medication and they may have to direct you to see a doctor first. If in doubt, ask at a Pharmacy before making a doctors appointment (there is one open 9.00 am to 5:30 pm Monday – Friday within the Cripps Health Centre). Where do I take a prescription to collect the medicines? A Pharmacy, also called a chemist. There is a BOOTS Pharmacy in the Health Centre. The BOOTS in Portland Building does not issue medication. There is a list on the website of local Pharmacies, detailing those open at weekends and late evening. Contraception and Sexual health Contraception is steps to prevent you getting pregnant if you are having sex. Not everybody chooses to have sex when at University – many people waiting until married or in a long term relationship, for personal, religious or cultural reasons. If you do choose to have sex, it is likely you will not be planning to have a baby yet and therefore, it is essential to plan how to prevent this. Routine Check-ups The NHS cannot offer “routine check ups” for young healthy individuals. The NHS is a service free at the point of delivery but with huge costs behind that service, paid from UK taxes. The NHS is aimed at providing care for sick people in the UK and preventing sickness as best it can in groups at most risk. As there is a limited amount of money/resources the care that NHS delivers has to be targeted where it is most effective. The care delivered by the University of Nottingham Health Service is no exception. We have a lot of patients to look after and the doctor’s priorities have to focus at sick patients and those most at risk of becoming sick. This agenda specifically excludes physical checks or investigations/bloods on otherwise fit and healthy young persons. Vaccines for travel Travel medicine is not covered by the NHS. Depending on your destination you may require vaccinations or medication to keep you well on your trip. However, the cost surrounding this care is not funded by the NHS – this is the same for international and UK students/staff. Dependant on type and number of vaccines you need, the cost can be considerable. However, travelling without appropriate protection can leave you exposed to serious disease and incurring greater costs. How long does a “cold” last COLDS are viral infections, usually affecting the upper airway. They cause runny nose, blocked nose, headache, temperature, sore throats and coughs. A cold will last 1 - 2 weeks and sometimes less. They are very common in the UK (due to our changing seasons). Colds are more common in winter and start around September. When do I need antibiotics? Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in the UK for a wide range of conditions. However, they are used much less than in some other countries. This is because many common conditions are caused by viruses (which are not treated or helped by taking antibiotics). Examples of conditions treated with antibiotic elsewhere but not in the UK include: coughs, colds, sinusitis (sometimes) and diarrhoea.
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